Dedication:
Written during the first days of the War on Iraq, with great pride and
patriotism for our men and women of the United States Armed Forces. PRAY FOR
OUR LEADERS AND OUR TROOPS! In honor of the Marine Corps’ birthday, November
10, 1775 and Veteran’s Day, November 11. Also, in memory of my uncle, Pvt.
Dillard L. Kerley, USMCR, who served in World War II, Killed In Action - Tarawa,
November 20, 1943, and my father, Sgt. Don D. Kerley, USMC, Veteran of the
Korean War, who died on November 7, 2000.

Introduction:
Gomer decides to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Andy can’t believe
it, but offers to take him to Camp Wilson to report for duty. True to form, he
makes silly mistakes in the Marines just as he did in Mayberry. The road to
becoming one of the few, the proud, is a tough one, but Private Pyle’s naïve
determination serves him well. Realistically, Gomer might not have been a model
soldier, especially during the Vietnam War. However, in a way, his
selflessness, honor, courage, and commitment make him a far better Marine than
many of the men around him.

Core Value: Courage – I
will support and defend with mental, moral, and physical strength, adhering to a
higher standard of personal conduct, and making tough decisions under great
stress and pressure – Hebrews 13:6, 1 Peter 4:11
Do the Right Thing – Proverbs 3:5-6
In the Right Way – Galatians 6:7-10
For the Right Reasons – Matthew
5:13-16

Discussion:1) Why did Gomer volunteer to join the Marine Corps? Why was Andy so
surprised? Why didn’t Andy think he could make it? Do you think it would have
mattered to Gomer if it were wartime or peacetime? What had Gomer’s daddy told
him that he would never forget? How did he see his enlistment in relation to
his father’s advice? Could he have been tested in other ways? What kind of
father do you think Gomer’s dad was? Do you think his father would be proud of
him? How about his heavenly father? Even if his earthly father couldn’t always
be with Gomer, who was?

2) Gomer said Andy should have
more faith in him. Is there someone who you should show more faith and
support? What could you do to strengthen them, rather than tear them down?
Sgt. Carter, a tough-as-nails leatherneck, led by strict discipline, and Andy
had a more fatherly approach. Which was the best method for Gomer? Which way
is best to lead you? What leadership method should you use? Is Sgt. Carter
essentially a good man, or does Gomer bring out the worst in him? Shouldn’t
Sgt. Carter have given him special attention before he thought he was the
“general’s son”?

3) We must all support our
soldiers who defend our freedom. Perhaps you are a veteran or are currently
serving in the military, or have a son or daughter who is. This lesson and the
current situation in the world today should make us stop and think. On
www.miltary.com, there are “5 steps to a Good Decision” that help you see if
the military is right for you. Of course, they are sound steps in any
endeavor or challenge: 1) Is it right for you?, 2) See the benefits, 3) Find
the job for you, 4) Qualify, 5) Make a game plan. (#1 also includes: Got what
it takes?, Are you ready?, Can you handle the responsibility?, and What do you
want from life?) Follow these guidelines for your particular obligations
in God’s plan for your life, and use the above Core Values of the U.S.
Marines Corps to complete them for His glory.

Final Thought:Gomer:
Know what my daddy told me a long time ago? I’ll never forget it. We wuz
sittin’ out on the front porch in the summertime. It was so hot we couldn’t
sleep, and he said, “Son, some day, when you’re growed up, they gonna test ya to
see how much of a man you are. And you’re gonna have to make it ON YOUR OWN,
’cause I ain’t gonna be there to help ya.” That’s what my daddy said, and
here’s where I’m gonna get tested – the United States Marine Corps!